Justin Fields hasn’t been with the Chicago Bears too long but it appears he hasn’t had a hard time making an impression on his new teammates. Fellow rookie Dazz Newsome heard from him right after being drafted. A surefire sign the kid is a leader. Then he got to experience the 11th overall pick throw the ball. Newsome described it as “pretty” when asked. Then again he is just one guy. What about other receivers on the roster? Anthony Miller for example.
The fourth-year veteran hasn’t really talked much since the end of last season. Unsurprising given how things ended with that punch throw in New Orleans. Then there was the whole possible trade thing. So it shouldn’t be a shock he’s stayed quiet. That has changed in the past couple of weeks. With minicamps drawing closer and it looking like he’ll stay on the roster, Miller emerged from hiding. It didn’t take him long to stir things up a bit.
Especially when asked about his first impressions of Fields.
He can throw tf out the ball 😁
— Anthony Miller (@AnthonyMiller_3) May 21, 2021
It certainly seems the receiver likes what he sees. After enduring three years of Mitch Trubisky, Chase Daniel, and Nick Foles one has to imagine Fields looks like a completely different animal. His arm strength alone is impressive. Somebody who can deliver the ball 50 yards down the field on a rope. Yet what separates him from others who how accurate he can be at the same time.
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Miller gets plenty of heat for his frustrating play in the past year or two, but it’s also fair to remember several of his wide open moments were wasted because the QB couldn’t get the ball to him. One has to imagine he’s excited about the prospect of playing with somebody like Fields.
Death, taxes, and Mitch failing to see an open Anthony Miller pic.twitter.com/kqpf1tlbI7
— As a Former NFL Agent (@TommyK_NFLDraft) September 17, 2020
Two big plays: Trubisky underthrows Anthony Miller for a sure TD and more missed tackles by Bears secondary pic.twitter.com/8WxakEK0Eh
— Barroom Network – Aldo Gandia (@BarroomNetwork) October 21, 2018
Anthony Miller will have to earn the right to play with Fields
His roster spot is not nearly as secure as it was the past few years. The Bears have patiently waited for him to turn the corner into the stud receiver they hoped and expected him to be. While the flashes have been there, he still hasn’t found the consistency needed. Still not enough discipline in his route running. Dropped passes at bad times. Too often being outmuscled for 50/50 passes.
If ever there was a time for him to have the best offseason of his career, it’s now. Not only have the Bears put on the pressure with more competition in the form of Marquise Goodwin, Damiere Byrd, and Dazz Newsome. It’s also a contract year as well. This is the best chance Anthony Miller will ever have to make some serious money in the NFL.
It’s quite literally now or never.
How much of a shame would it be if he exited the picture right as the Bears finally got their quarterback? Hopefully, it doesn’t have to be that way. While many are fed up with Miller, he’s still one of the most talented receivers on this roster. There is enough time to realize his potential. Having his back to the wall might be the motivation he needs for the light to go on.